The Hague has made history by becoming the first city globally to enact a ban on advertisements promoting fossil fuel products and services. This legislation, approved by the city council, will take effect on January 1, 2025. It prohibits advertising for petrol, diesel, air travel, and cruise lines in public spaces such as billboards and bus stops. The initiative aims to combat climate change and aligns with a broader trend of cities restricting fossil fuel advertising. The proposal was championed by the Party for the Animals and faced initial skepticism regarding its feasibility.

However, after adjustments to the plan, the council voted in favor of the ban. This move follows a call from UN Secretary-General António Guterres for nations to implement similar restrictions, likening fossil fuel advertising to past tobacco advertising bans due to its harmful environmental impact. The Hague’s decision is expected to inspire other cities worldwide to adopt similar measures as part of their climate action strategies.